High Five

Image from WWW

I could almost forget that I have been living in Singapore for the last five years.  It seems like I've lived here forever.  I still don't know every nook and cranny and I also have yet to do everything that I had wanted to do.  But it has been an adventure being here with Stephen, my Singaporean tour guide. 

Taking a random bus ride with him will bring stories of landmark buildings.  We have started many days with a fixed plan and then suddenly, we're hopping on the first bus that comes along to see where it takes us.  For me, it's still a touristic thing.  Buses ply routes that the trains don't and I can peek into the other lesser known places of Singapore.  

Life here is peaceful but full.  There isn't a day that goes by when I don't clasp my hands in prayer for the fact that I am here now.  I don't know for sure if I will always be here.  Maybe it's not knowing anything now that makes it exciting.  I would like to think that I would manage well wherever life takes me.  I didn't use to think so but now I'm convinced that I would be fine.

These days we no longer feel lonely when people are just a click away with an internet connection.  Friends reach out and family stay in touch without thinking about it.  It's become the norm.

This year, my to-do list is to walk across the Henderson Wave Bridge.  I think that I've put it off long enough and when the weather is great, we'll suddenly find ourselves there.  Hopefully it will be in the evening so we can soak in the awesome views and sunset.  

In my early twenties, I used to think that my life was so routine and that I could give an arm and leg for some excitement.  Now in my late fifties, I no longer look for that excitement because it now dawns on me that what fills my life is being loved.  That's my fuel and if I am honest with myself, I am truly contented.

Image from Pinterest

Another note to self

Image from Pinterest

Woke up while it was still dark so I could see Stephen off to work. Checked my whatsapp messages because some of my family and friends wake up at the crack of dawn and they usually drop me a wish or two.  It's always heartwarming to wake up to such positivity.

Went back to sleep until about 9.30 am and stayed in bed till 10ish. Okay, I sense raised eyebrows now! Hahahahahahahaha!  But this isn't how it is everyday.  Most days I have an agenda and I stick to it but once in a while a moment appears and I just allow it to envelop me.  

With coffee in hand, I do a quick check of emails and find one that I want to reply to because the person is important to me.  It's always a treat to read and dissect each other's words but with no judgement; only love, support and encouragement for one another. Such are the types of connections we should look for when we are older and not the ones that sow seeds of discontent and hatred.

It has been raining for a while now.  Thunder was in the distance and the beat of the rain on the awning was slightly deafening. Soft Christmas carols are playing in the background and I feel a strong sense of peace and happiness.

Not everything is perfect in my world.  No one has a perfect life but as I always like to think, it is far from imperfect.  

While I was replying, one load of clothes was washed and dried and I'm feeling that the quiet moment was time well-spent. Whatsapp messages came in and went out, between the email reply and I think I've made some people smile, feel better about themselves and helped them along their day.

I managed to rethink some of the old stories while replying an email and I realise how far I have moved on.  The stories have a lesser hold on me and who I am now.  In some way, it's just a moment but how those moments have added up to making a nice few hours by myself, my coffee and my thoughts. 

Shalom! 

Halfway mark

Image from Pinterest

This year has really gone by much faster than expected.  I still remember when it was January and now we are almost at the end of the sixth month which is the half-way mark of 2015.

A lot has happened but I'm a positive person and this has helped me in every area of my life.  The truth is that my cup runneth over and I am always grateful for where I am today.

I think I'm in some sort of a rut but it's a good kind of rut.  Routine is good sometimes.  Too many upheavals can be stressful.  I shall not complain that there isn't much excitement.  Overall, life is simple and good and I shall use this calm time to fill my cup with more of the things that make me smile.

Countdown: 41 days to Christmas

Vintage Christmas image from Pinterest

When do you start doing up the home for Christmas?

When I was working, I used to start in mid-October. I had to remove all the other stuff first.  Then I had to take out the 8 boxes of Christmas things in order to be able to put away every other thing inside them.  

All this would be done after working a full day and only having the evenings and alternate weekends to do what I did.  

It was a one-woman job.  But I truly loved it. 

Neighbours always complimented me and asked if they could come in to have a look.  Jared's friends also expressed their amazement at how the house was transformed at Christmas.  

I haven't done much since moving to Singapore but maybe this year, it'll be different!  Maybe I'll do more this time. 

Kitchen layout

Image from WWW

I've always wondered if this was designed by someone who actually cooks because I've seen so many kitchens where this is not featured.  Is it something from a home designer's mind or is this the product of someone who did actual O&M studies about this kitchen work triangle?

My grandma and mom made wonderful meals and never once did I hear them speak about the layout of the kitchen.  I think it's safe to say that there was nary a complaint from them because they were only concerned with being able to put food on the table.  It probably never occurred to them that setting up the kitchen space in an effective way would speed up the cooking/preparation process.

Where I am now, the refrigetor, stove and sink are all arranged in one straight line.  Often I wondered if there would be a huge difference if I had the above layout. 

I've come to the conclusion that if we don't think about it, it doesn't affect us.  I am also of the opinion that as long as things are where they should be, then one can be just as efficient in any kitchen after getting used to it.  

If someone were to ask me what I would like to see incorporated in my kitchen, I'd say it would have to be a simple island cum breakfast counter.

Yup, I'm still dreaming...

                                   ... dreams can come true! 

Half a year and half a smile :-)

Pic from Facebook

Half a year has gone by already.  I just don't know where time has gone.

Stephen often tells me that once American Idol is over, time just picks up speed. Hahahahahahaha.  We didn't even watch it this year.  How many have there been? Thirteen!  So he's said it that many times!  Funny guy!

Then when 9 August comes  and goes, he'll say, "Time to play Christmas carols now".  The truth is that he plays them as and when he feels like it.  This always makes me smile because thoughts of Christmas bring happy memories.

June ended with a nice Eurasian meal with cousins and some catching up.  Sometimes I am so happy I could just burst.  Actually, I was so full that I felt I could burst.  I ate too much! :-(

So July has started!  The kids are coming again for a short stay and we are already thinking of how to cram everything into those days.

I hope I shan't neglect my blog as much as I did in June.  After all, what else would there be to do later in life except to flip through these postings and reminisce. 

Close to Perfection

Image picked up from Facebook

If only...

It really would be wonderful if I could find a bed like this.  

And while I'm dreaming, I'd need a cook to prepare  and serve my meals.

~ ~ ~

June has been a very busy month for me.  I hadn't realised that I neglected my blog.  But all is well, a short holiday took up my first week.  I intended to blog about it but didn't get around to putting my thoughts in words.

Then I enrolled in a six-week course which really ate up all my free time.  But I am enjoying it and feel a tad sad that it's ending soon but I solved that by signing up for another one scheduled in October this year. 

When all is said and done and when life seems perfect, there really isn't much time to sit and write.  But I force myself so that I can return one day and remember the blissful moments.

June has been near perfect. July promises to be even better.  I can't wait!

Marriage Wisdom

Image from Facebook

I so enjoyed reading this and it is never easy to practise all of it, all of the time. However, it is a good one especially when you can nod your head to some of the things listed there.

In my marriage, Stephen is the easy-going one and I am usually the not so easy-going person although if you asked him, he would never tell you.

But we've made a good life so far and everyday is interesting because we are different.  It's what makes life a little exciting even.  

We feed off each other's strengths and overlook the weaknesses.  I believe that one of the main things to remember in a marriage is to be able to laugh at each other. Stephen says I am funny.  Well, I think that my talent at being funny is mostly hidden while his is overflowing.  

The next point is commitment.  We are committed to the same things and, more importantly, to each other.

Often we hold hands when we walk around.  I imagine the folks around here referring to us as "that couple that always holds hands". Once or twice when we didn't, we had a neighbour telling us to hold hands.  It was so funny when she did.  We felt like teenagers.

Stuck at home, on this rainy morning, I'm just thinking out loud.

Excited about life

I woke up happy this morning.  Well, I wake up happy most of the time but this morning, I woke up with a feeling of having rested well.  Maybe it's the getting over a hospital appointment for my MIL that makes me feel relieved.  All is well and we are glad.

Though I am sad that we are back to just being by ourselves, the internet and HP keeps the kids close to us. Plus our group chats are always lively and entertaining.  

It is easy to be caught up with doing, doing, doing so much that on a quiet morning like today, I find my thoughts just easing along instead of having to mark off all the things that need to be done.  

When I was in KL last week, I had so much to do and although there is a sense of achievement at getting them all done, there was also the rushing around that I do not miss.  The only saving grace was having my own driver to take me everywhere.  This beats driving around on my own.  One of the skills that I have found immensely useful, apart from touch typing, is driving. Be that as it may, having a chauffeur is always a wonderful option.  

I have loads of plans for later this afternoon and as soon as Stephen is off to work, I shall begin. Excitement can move mountains, I think.  

Let's see if it pans out or I give in to temptation to sit, read and sip my coffee.  In my book, this is also multi-tasking. Mwahahahahaha.

R n R means ...

I looked forward to seeing this on my return to Singapore

Many people say that Singapore is not their ideal place to live in, because because because...  I don't care to list the reasons since I am not them.  For me, it's been home for over two years now and I have come to love it.  

We took a short trip to Batam Island again.  This time, instead of the Waterfront Resort, we chose to be in the City Centre.  Being a city girl, it was more my cup of tea. Plus we had the kids with us and they make for a very nice extra double pair of helping hands.  

It never ceases to amaze me how readily these kids rush to carry our stuff or to be attentive to our needs. A table of four makes for a livelier conversation and the food shared always taste better. It made our holiday just that much nicer. 

After the sea breeze, a little pampering and shopping, I've returned to Singapore very much R n R.  

Rested and relaxed.

Refreshed and renewed.

Ready and raring to go.

Spring-ing into action!

Those in the northern hemisphere experienced some of the coldest days of their lives because of the polar vortex. Many have expressed, non-stop, how they were looking forward to Spring.  Of course, those of us living in the tropics can only sympathise with mild amusement.

And on the subject of Spring, I started spring-cleaning when I was back in Kuala Lumpur for five days last month and took the opportunity to go through my cupboard.  Always at the back of my mind was a remote chance that I would re-enter the working world and that I should keep my office wardrobe.  However, Stephen (God bless his heart) will not hear of it.

Now that I have embraced this retirement totally, I decided that I really have to rid myself of the clothes that I hadn't worn in two years.

The image made me smile and even if I will not be wearing any of those clothes again, giving them away was not so easy.  BUT common sense got the better of me and I managed to clear my cupboard of maybe another thirty pieces.  It's amazing how many pieces I have amassed during my working years.  

I like to believe that I have given away at least half of what was in my wardrobe.  I seem to be giving, giving, giving and yet there is still so much to sort through.

If I promise to clear at least twenty each time I return to KL, I shall have taken a huge step in overcoming this sentimental relationship with my clothes.  

Next on my list, is the cupboard in Singapore.

A bowl of mutton curry

A couple of days ago, I felt like eating a curry.  I know most people say that there's nothing more satisfying than making your own and that it would be better.  

But I am not like most people.  I love going out and looking at something that I want to eat and then buying it.  In the process of doing this, I have found many lovely places that serve food I enjoy.

This bowl of mutton curry cost S$3.50 (enough for two people).  It was absolutely delicious.  The meat was tender.  The spice level was just perfect for me. All it took was a 5 minute walk to the shop and a 2 second wait to pack it.

I wouldn't know if I could reproduce the same curry and, frankly, I wouldn't even want to try. Well, maybe one day.  LOL

Stephen and I were doing the costing for how much it would be for us to make it on our own and we gave up.  I can't even begin to name the ingredients that we would need for this curry.

Someone who lives in the US once told me that if she had food readily available she wouldn't bother to cook. This revelation made me feel a whole lot better because it's exactly how I feel. 

She, on the other hand, doesn't have much choice because eating out is expensive and it is difficult to find authentic Asian food.

Of course, there are days when we just don't feel like eating outside and those are they days when we whip up something at home.  It's all about having a choice that makes it great.  

Convenience, for me, always beats slaving in the kitchen. 

Working Hours

Image from FB

Even before I moved to Singapore, Stephen told me about my working hours.  Yeah, he's funny that way.

He said that I will have to work (house chores) from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 2 pm with an unlimited time for lunch break.  Saturdays and Sundays would be my free days.  I also get to enjoy all Public Holidays. When he has three days off after his night shift, I would be free too!

Stephen helps around the house as well and until now I can't help but feel that this is the greatest deal I have ever made.  

Spoilt much?  Oh yeah!

Money and wealth

Yesterday I read a very nice article (click here if you are interested) and I realised that if you don't have something that money cannot buy, you aren't wealthy.

Having a child always made me feel like the wealthiest person alive but it is much more.  It is having a rich spirit that makes one wealthy.

I know many wealthy people, in the best sense of the word. They never hesitate to extend a helping hand whenever and wherever they can.  

Last day of 2013

And so it happened that I woke up before 7 am on the last day of 2013. I've been sleeping late almost every night and waking up late as well. 

This morning I think I was awake at about 5 am but didn't get out of bed immediately. I just laid there with my eyes closed and thinking of how wonderful it is to have my husband and son under the same roof this time.

We aren't always together. We won't always be together so I cherish the moments like this. All is well in my world today. 

2014 looks very promising. There is so much to look forward to. I cannot be more contented than now. Anyway, for those who take the time to visit my blog, here's my wish for you!

May you always find peace, joy and love everyday.

Pic from Pinterest

Love grows best in little houses.

Pic from FB

It's never been my dream to have a big house.  Maybe when I was very young, I might have thought of being a princess and living in a palace.  However, as I became older, I found that it is not the size of the home that matters.  I'm glad there are other like-minded people and  I am not alone. 

Until today, I still frown when people say I live in a 2-room apartment in Singapore.  For so long, I misunderstood what it actually meant until I found out that the living room was counted as a room!!!!

In KL, we have 3 bedrooms and it has never occurred to me to say that we have a 4-room apartment because it would give the impression that there are 4 bedrooms!  All these years when I have told Singaporeans that my KL place has 3 rooms, they must have thought I meant 2 bedrooms and 1 living room.  

For the life of me I cannot understand why Singapore has perpetuated this strange concept.  Wouldn't it be just as simple not to count the living room?  Maybe someone can educate me on the background of this idea!!!

How do they do this in other countries?  Do they say 4 rooms when they really mean 3 bedrooms and 1 living room?

I love my Singapore home even if it has only one bedroom. Everything is compact and within easy reach.  Cleaning is super easy and it's a no-fuss kind of place.

I'm not, or rather, Stephen and I are not the types where you must not do anything else but eat on the dining table.  We do whatever we want because for us, it's a multipurpose area.  It works as our desk and also as a computer table, sometimes!

I know that some people would be horrified and think that this mishmash kind of living will seem the end of a civilised life.  *guffaws*

Isn't life easier when you think outside the box?

Isn't life easier when you live happy?

I like to think that it is.

Yes, we have a small home but it's where love grows best!

Good mood food!

Pic from FB

Some food can put you in a good mood. For me, it would be any form of Indian food. There must be something in the spices that is always a great pick-me-up.  Okay, I confess that desserts also work just as well!!!!!

However, besides food, the one thing that makes me feel good is being with Stephen because he has such a cheerful spirit.  

One of the first things he said to me was "where you lead me, I will follow; what you feed me, I will swallow".  He wasn't kidding!  No matter what I have cooked or prepared for him to eat, he eats it all (with gusto).

Happy is the wife whose husband is so appreciative of all the little things.  It certainly does help to keep me in a good mood almost all the time.

Dust if you must!

Pic from FB

If I had to choose, I'd pick housework instead of office work.  If you've never had to work a regular 9 to 5 job, it would be easy to imagine that it is all glamour and nothing else.  Oh yes, it's easy to dress up, wear heels, get in the car, drive through crazy traffic and be seen as one of the movers and shakers of the world but the reality is far from that.  There are always deadlines to meet and a million things to remember.  It wasn't always fun and that's the reality of office work.

 

Housework, on the other hand, is something you either enjoy or hate.  I quite enjoy it.  I like seeing everything neat, clean and orderly. 

 

When I say I am staying home, people probably envision me with apron on, hair tied up and holding a feather duster in my hand.  They might also believe that I am in the kitchen preparing meals.  No, that is not how it is at all.

 

I dust only when I must.  I cook only when I'm in the mood. 

 

Nothing is ever set in stone in my home.  I do the essential cleaning but everything else is on a "need to be done" basis.  Life is too short to be spent looking for dust.   

 

So I dust only when I must! 

 

 

 

Just perfect...

When we hear of someone who has died in what we believe is before his time, we tend to stop and take stock of our own life.

When I did that, I reached a conclusion that my life is beautiful. In any case, I've had enough people saying this to me so I already know it is true.

It is a perfect life.  Perfect from my point of view and the only view that should matter.  

I was discussing life, death and the hereafter, with a dear friend via emails, and I wrote "It seemed to me that most people are afraid to say that their life is perfect already.  They are worried that if they say it is perfect then it cannot get better.  It can be perfect at that particular point in time."  

I added, "I like to think that my life is perfect today.  So is yours!  I see you so happy and contented and I think that's perfect.  If it doesn't get better, it's already perfect.  If it gets better, then, by golly, it's better than perfect.  A win-win situation, I think."

Someone's early demise shouldn't be the moment when we stop to think about our lives although I suppose it is a natural thing to do. However, I am now going to make a conscious effort to count my blessings each day and not wait for a catalyst.

I realise I have reached a certain point in my life where there is no longer any reason to prove I am happy. I just am and it's a beautiful life.  

Bon Voyage, Errol!  This one's for you!

Coffee Morning

Pic from FB

Coffee Morning used to have a different meaning when I was working.  Now it's a simple pleasure I enjoy as soon as I am up!

Last night was rather warm and I woke up without the blanket.  Usually I sleep with it draped over my shoulders and arms.  So when I realise that there is no blanket on me, I know that somewhere during my sleep, I had pushed it away.  The brain works for us even when we are not conscious of it.

My morning routine is usually to check my phone and emails, get on FB and catch up with news while sipping my coffee.  No, wait a minute, the first thing I do is to open the back windows before anything else.  It's an automatic act that I no longer think of it as the first real thing I do.  Okay, even I thought that sounded weird.  Somehow the things that are second nature to us becomes habit and we do it without thinking, like washing up and brushing teeth.  You know what I mean.  Don't you?

Anyway, my routine is to open the back window, look at the sky and breathe in the moment.  There's something about it that reminds me of infinity.  This morning, it was dark and gloomy.  We all know that it means rain is imminent.  

What do I see?  I see a huge backyard.  Okay, not my backyard but a huge one that I consider a part of my world.  There is a gigantic tree, almost 10 stories tall that is majestic, surrounded on three sides by the tall apartments that surround it.  It isn't directly in front of my window so it doesn't block the natural light.  There are shrubs as well and the well-manicured lawns are always a sight for sore eyes. There's something about looking at greenery all year round that makes everything fresh and refreshing.  If ever there is a stray plastic bag or bits of thrash callously thrown by idiots, they are usually gone by the next day.

In Singapore, it is common to see apartments that are back to back. We are fortunate not to have anything directly in front.  At the back, I am happy that we are separated from the next block by this lovely and pretty stretch of flora and fauna. I don't know how many times I have just stood at the window just looking at it all. Note to self:  I should take more pictures.  Better pictures, I should add.

I have wondered many times if I am the only one who  appreciates the beauty in all of it.  I look at the numerous windows in front of me and I am curious if there is someone else, like me, who enjoys just looking at the sky and the green, green grass of home. (Now the song is stuck in my head!).

Why am I writing all this?  I guess I have the hope that my grandchildren will be able to formulate a picture of these things when they read this one day.  I do not know if I will always live here.  They many never know anything except for this glimpse into what I see everyday.

I can hear their questions already, "Grandma, can we go see the majestic tree?" or "Who is that man in the picture?".  Hahahahahaha!

Part of the view from my back window.